England’s agonising wait for another World Cup triumph will stretch beyond 60 years after Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to win 2-1 and secure their place in the 2026 final.

For most of the semi-final in Atlanta, the Three Lions appeared to be heading towards their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1966. However, two devastating late goals turned English celebration into another unforgettable night of heartbreak.

The opening half was intense, physical and closely contested, with neither side willing to surrender control. Argentina attempted to dictate possession through Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández, while England remained disciplined and looked dangerous whenever they attacked at speed.

England finally made the breakthrough after the interval. Anthony Gordon arrived at the perfect moment to convert Morgan Rogers’ delivery, sending the travelling supporters into wild celebrations and placing Thomas Tuchel’s men within touching distance of history.

With the lead secured, England gradually dropped deeper as Argentina increased the pressure. Jordan Pickford produced important saves to protect the advantage, while the defence threw bodies in front of shots as the defending champions searched desperately for an equaliser.

England’s resistance was finally broken in the 85th minute when Fernández found space and powered home the leveller. The goal completely changed the atmosphere, with Argentina suddenly attacking with renewed belief while England struggled to regain their earlier composure.

The decisive blow arrived in stoppage time.

Messi, who had been closely watched throughout the contest, created the opening Argentina needed. His delivery found substitute Lautaro Martínez, who rose to direct a header beyond Pickford and send the South American supporters into absolute chaos.

England had no time to recover.

The final whistle confirmed another painful World Cup elimination and extended the nation’s long wait for international football’s greatest prize. Harry Kane and his teammates were left stunned on the pitch after watching a historic opportunity disappear in the closing minutes.

Argentina, meanwhile, remain on course to defend their crown. Lionel Scaloni’s side will now face Spain in the final on July 19 after the Europeans defeated France in the other semi-final.

England will meet France in the third-place playoff, but that will provide little comfort after coming so close to ending six decades of disappointment.

Once again, the dream was alive. Once again, England believed. But when the pressure reached its highest point, Argentina struck twice and turned hope into heartbreak.